Awards highlight quiet achievers

Mayor Tom Sharp with John Beswick, Cr Kerri Cryer, Citizen of the Year Trevor Henderson and former Mayor's Award recipient Gary Hamblyn
Mayor Tom Sharp with John Beswick, Cr Kerri Cryer, Citizen of the Year Trevor Henderson and former Mayor's Award recipient Gary Hamblyn

THE spirit of the Scenic Rim shone at the 2025 Scenic Rim Australia Day Awards, with local residents who go above and beyond every day recognised for their efforts.

Speaking before the award ceremony, 2024 Citizen of the Year, Lizz Hills said Australia Day Award recipients and nominees embody the values of commitment, connection and care.

“They have chosen to show up for their community, to protect our environment, to uplift others,” she said.

“Through their actions they remind us that each of us has the power to make a difference.”

Scenic Rim Mayor Tom Sharp said it is great to be able to shine a light on people who have contributed so much.

“The work to keep our local community spirit strong never stops,” Mayor Sharp said.

“It was evident from the nominations received that there are many quiet achievers among us who go the extra mile to support their local clubs, networks and bring positive change to their community.”

The quality of the nominees was so high that judges were unable to select one winner in the Citizen of the Year (65+ years).

Tamborine resident Trevor Henderson shared the honour with George Massam.

Trevor is a dedicated fire fighter who remembers fighting his first fire when he was in Grade Five at school.

He has held multiple roles within the Tamborine Rural Fire Brigade including Fire Warden and Second Officer and has fought countless fires, saving properties and rescuing people. 

He was recognised by the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services with a 50 Years of service award.

George has been an active member of the Biddaddaba Creek Action Group (BCAG) since 1988 and President of the organisation since 1998. 

The Group, under George’s presidency, successfully advocated for the sealing of a section of Beaudesert-Nerang Road in 2024. 

Beaudesert resident, Typhoon le Garde was awarded Citizen of the Year (16-30 years).

The 16-year-old is a musician, competitive athlete and community volunteer involved with numerous organisations.

Citizen of the Year (31-65 years)  went to Janine Rockliff, who was Chairperson of the Canungra & District Community Financial Group for 11 years. 

Janine was part of the driving force to create Community Cancer Care, which coordinates the annual ‘Turning Canungra Pink’ fundraising program and Care Assist, a dedicated organisation which directs funds to assist local people being treated for cancer. The Mayor’s Award went to Marijke Freeman who manages the Beaudesert Caravan and Tourist Park and coordinates a range of onsite events and has introduced a recycling program within the park creating an environmental approach to fundraising for residents in need.

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2025 Australia Day Award Winners 

Community Event of the Year – ANZAC Super Saturday – Fassifern Junior Rugby League Football Club Inc

Citizen of the Year (16-30 years) – Typhoon le Garde

Citizen of the Year (31-65 years) – Janine Rockliff

Citizen of the Year (65+ years) – Trevor Henderson and George Massam

Mayor’s Award – Marijke Freeman

About Keer Moriarty 41 Articles
Editor, journo, social media manager and tea lady with Canungra Times.